UA AO HAWAI`I KE `OLINO NEI MALAMALAMA
HAWAI`I IS ENLIGHTENED, FOR THE BRIGHTNESS OF DAY IS HERE
Hawai`i is in an era of education
by Mary Kawena Pukui from `Olelo No`eau No. 2773
POLICY DECISIONS
(photo by Shama Ko)
CHAPTER 41- CIVIL RIGHTS ~NEW LANGUAGE
New language in this critical policy was unanimously adopted on 2/3/11 to reflect the issues affecting our students and schools today. Statistics, according to the Youth Risk Survey 2007-2009 show that in comparison to the national average, Hawaii's middle schools had a 42% increase since 2007, in youth who had been harassed because someone thought they were gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The additions to Chapter 41 includes the prohibition of discrimination and harassment due to "sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socio-economic status and physical appearance and characteristics." Hopefully, with this new language, there will be a greater incentive to address the horrific statistics we have on bullying, harassment and teen suicide. According to the 2007-2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 63% of Hawai`i high school students in 2009 agreed or strongly agreed that harassment and bullying by other students in their school is a problem.
Hawai`i was 100% worse in the nation with high school youth who had attempted suicide one or more times within the last 12months. The Safe Schools Community Advisory Committee has worked long and hard on developing comprehensive recommendations. The Hawaii School Health Surveys has public information on their data at the Centers for Disease Control and Hawaii Health Data Warehouse.
But all the policy in the world is not effective until it is IMPLEMENTED. Implementation takes a united effort by school teachers, administrators, all the staff, students and the community. A culture of tolerance and compassion allows for children and youth to have the freedom to learn and become all they can no matter what their orientation, appearance or beliefs.
New language in this critical policy was unanimously adopted on 2/3/11 to reflect the issues affecting our students and schools today. Statistics, according to the Youth Risk Survey 2007-2009 show that in comparison to the national average, Hawaii's middle schools had a 42% increase since 2007, in youth who had been harassed because someone thought they were gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The additions to Chapter 41 includes the prohibition of discrimination and harassment due to "sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socio-economic status and physical appearance and characteristics." Hopefully, with this new language, there will be a greater incentive to address the horrific statistics we have on bullying, harassment and teen suicide. According to the 2007-2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 63% of Hawai`i high school students in 2009 agreed or strongly agreed that harassment and bullying by other students in their school is a problem.
Hawai`i was 100% worse in the nation with high school youth who had attempted suicide one or more times within the last 12months. The Safe Schools Community Advisory Committee has worked long and hard on developing comprehensive recommendations. The Hawaii School Health Surveys has public information on their data at the Centers for Disease Control and Hawaii Health Data Warehouse.
But all the policy in the world is not effective until it is IMPLEMENTED. Implementation takes a united effort by school teachers, administrators, all the staff, students and the community. A culture of tolerance and compassion allows for children and youth to have the freedom to learn and become all they can no matter what their orientation, appearance or beliefs.
ADOPTED ~FINE ARTS POLICY : 2125
The BOE adopted a fine arts policy on 1/6/11 that recognizes the importance of fine arts in the schools as "an integral part of the academic program for all students (K-12) and that the value and benefits of fine arts education has been extensively acknowledged". Fine arts is defined as dance, music, theater and visual arts. The policy further states that "The Department of Education ( Department) shall assist all schools in establishing and maintaining fine arts programs, subject to availability of funds". The goals of the policy are noteworthy: to ensure staff, materials and equipment are available, ensure that students will have a proficient level of understanding of fine arts,to provide access to fine arts programs for all students as an integral part of the curriculum, and to develop partnerships with fine arts organizations, artists, and the community. Examples of a few of the many successful fine arts programs are Searider Productions in Wai`anae High School and the performing arts program on Maui at King Kekaulike School which have made a powerful impact on student engagement and goals towards higher education. For students who may not be academically inclined, the arts can offer rich learning experiences and opportunities for positive self-esteem. Hopefully with this policy we will have even stronger support for the Arts in our public schools.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION
We know that families are our children's first teachers. Yet how many family members feel they are supported and encouraged to contribute to their children's education? Are they welcomed in our schools? Are their voices and concerns acknowledged and being treated with respect? Many adults who have had unpleasant educational experiences find it very difficult to get involved with the school system again. Family and community involvement is one of the keys to a successful school. It is actually very simple.
When a parent or significant adult in a child's life, VALUES EDUCATION ... so does that child. Children model what they see and hear. Families need opportunities to participate in their children's schools in significant ways.
When a parent or significant adult in a child's life, VALUES EDUCATION ... so does that child. Children model what they see and hear. Families need opportunities to participate in their children's schools in significant ways.
